Pregnancy Weight Study Looking for 306 BR Women

Doctors in Baton Rouge are looking for 306 overweight, pregnant women to participate in a study of whether getting advice by smartphone can help them control weight gain as well as meeting with a coach or doctor.

Study co-leader Leanne Redman says more than two-thirds of overweight or obese women gain 30 to 50 pounds more than recommended during pregnancy.

The study at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital will divide the women into three groups. All will get a personalized weight control program. One group will get advice from a lifestyle counselor by smartphone; another will get such advice from a counselor in person; and the third will get advice from their doctors.